Mizzou ITC News – June 2026
Global Connections
Spring 2026 Projects
ITC Interns Supporting the Decision-Making Needs of Area Businesses
Sixteen University of Missouri Trulaske College of Business students wrapped up their International Trade Center internships by presenting semester-long global market research to U.S. companies pursuing international growth. Their work focused on identifying and evaluating high-potential global markets, providing data-driven insights to support real-world business decisions.
Participating companies - 1879 Distilling Company, BioSpan Technologies, and Paul Mueller Company - praised the students’ professionalism, teamwork, and the value of their research in guiding strategic expansion efforts.
Read the full story to learn how these students are helping Missouri companies compete globally.
Full Story: ITC Interns Supporting the Decision-Making Needs of Area Businesses
What in the World? ITC Company Spotlight – Show-Me Bar-B-Q Sauce
Located in Rocheport, MO, Show-Me Bar-B-Q Sauce, LLC is a manufacturer of homemade, small-batch gourmet barbecue sauces, seasonings, and spice rubs. With a rich operating history that now spans 50+ years, the company’s original recipe was developed in the mid-1960s by professor, veterinarian, and retired Col. Harry H. Berrier. With encouragement from family and friends, Harry and his wife, Lina, started Show-Me® Bar-B-Q Sauce, Inc. in the basement of their home in March of 1975.
Current owner, Enrique Fuhlage, started working at the company as a young teen in 2004, gaining insight into the business operations from the ground up. In 2016, after the original owners' passing, Enrique and his family acquired Show-Me BBQ Sauce, and over the past 10 years they have continued to guide the business’ s growth forward.
In late 2023, following an introduction shared by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Enrique expressed interest in working with the International Trade Center (ITC) at the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Business to support evaluating sales opportunities for Show-Me-BBQ Sauce internationally. What followed during the spring semester of 2024 was an extensive analysis of product-specific trade flow data, a review of key economic, industry, and business environment indicator data, and an evaluation of global and country-level industry data to support the identification and ultimate evaluation of six potential countries of interest.
We recently reconnected with Enrique to secure a business update and capture feedback from Enrique on actions the company has taken given the new market insights and recommendations made, along with the exceptional value gained.
Full Story: What in the World? ITC Company Spotlight – Show-Me Bar-B-Q Sauce
Additionally, KUDO’S and CONGRATULATIONS are shared with Enrique and the Show-Me Bar-B-Q Sauce team on their recent recognition at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Exporter of the Year for 2026. Enrique and his family had the honor of accepting this award at the White House in Washington, DC, in early May as part of the annual National Small Business Week activities.
Spring 2026 Trulaske ITC Graduate Spotlight – Hallie Ray
Hallie Ray interned with the International Trade Center during the spring 2026 semester and graduated in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management and certificates in Global Business, Global Supply Chain Management, and Floral Design.
In addition to interning with the ITC, Hallie completed internships with DOT Foods and ALDI USA during her undergraduate studies. She also had the opportunity to work alongside ITC Program Manager Krista Hinrich to lead one of the Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs) with a focus on International Business within the College of Business. Anxious to further expand her global mindset by traveling and living internationally, Hallie also studied abroad in Bergamo, Italy during summer of 2025. Kudo’s are also extended to Hallie and fellow ITC intern Savannah Montgomery, who were both recipients of the Spring 2026 Excellence Award for Global Business.
“My experience with the International Trade Center has been a great learning experience. Krista and Jackie do a really great job at mentoring students. They both teach the students about international business and empower us to navigate these tasks on our own. This role was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door for research, global business, and consulting. It provided me with tangible, high-level experience to discuss during interviews. Specifically, in regard to teamwork, time management, and the hard work required for challenging projects. I have team experience, time management, and putting effort into challenging projects. I especially valued the opportunity to work one-on-one with a company and gain firsthand insight into how our research impact their real-world strategy.”
Hallie is currently evaluating employment opportunities post-graduation. As she does so, we wish her every success, as she will be a valuable asset to any company that has the good sense to hire her!
Where in the World? Trulaske ITC Alumni Spotlight – Ryu Taggart
As a senior, Ryu interned with the Trulaske International Trade Center during the spring semester of 2024. He graduated at the end of that semester with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management, a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and a certificate in Global Business and immediately moved into an exciting position with global technology and e-commerce company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Based in Clearwater, Florida, Ryu is doing great things in his new role at Amazon. In a recent conversation with Ryu, he shared the following update and words of advice for future Trulaske and MU graduates.
Full Story: Where in the World? Trulaske ITC Alumni Spotlight – Ryu Taggart
Global Development
2026 NASBITE Student Case Competition
Trulaske College of Business students recently showcased their global business skills at the NASBITE International Student Case Competition, advancing to the Final Four with a strategic market entry plan for a St. Louis-based distillery. Drawing on extensive research and prior International Trade Center experience, the team developed actionable recommendations for expanding into an emerging Asian market.
The competition provided a real-world platform for students to strengthen their analytical, teamwork, and presentation skills while gaining confidence and professional experience under pressure. Faculty mentors and company leaders praised the depth of research and professionalism demonstrated throughout the competition.
Read the full story to see how Trulaske students are competing and succeeding on a global stage.
Full Story: Trulaske students flex global business skills in ‘spirited’ competition
NASBITE Advancing International Trade Award – Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge
Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Director of Airports at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, has been named a recipient of the 2026 NASBITE Advancing International Trade Award. The honor recognizes her sustained leadership and impact in expanding international trade through innovation and collaboration.
Over her 15+ years leading STL Airport, Rhonda has played a key role in strengthening the region’s global connectivity, highlighted by the return of direct international flights to Frankfurt and London, and development of critical infrastructure like the Livestock Export & Inspection Facility (LEIF). Her efforts continue to position St. Louis as a strategic hub for global trade and logistics.
An MU alumni, Rhonda has been a guest presenter during I-Week and host to the Trulaske Trade Trek program. We greatly appreciate her support over the years and proudly congratulate Rhonda on this well-deserved recognition.
Trulaske Trade Trek – Spring 2026
A group of Trulaske College of Business students recently took part in the International Trade Center’s Trulaske Trade Trek, an immersive, experience-based learning program that brings global business concepts to life. During the Springfield Trek, students visited companies such as Askinosie Chocolate, Paul Mueller Company, and Bass Pro Shops, gaining firsthand exposure to how Missouri-based organizations operate in international markets.
Through company tours, conversations with industry professionals, and a global trade resource panel, students explored key topics like supply chains, cross-cultural business practices, and the importance of trust and relationships in global trade. The experience helped bridge classroom learning with real-world application, giving students a clearer understanding of career paths and the complexities of international business.
Read the full story to see how the Trulaske Trade Trek is preparing students for global careers.
Full Story: Trulaske Trade Trek takes students on a global expedition
Building Competencies: Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP)
Register Now! 2026 CGBP Training - August 4-6, 2026
If you are interested in international trade and seeking to better position yourself, your employees, and your company for export success, you should make plans to attend the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) exam prep training offered by the International Trade Center August 4-6, 2026. Conveniently delivered via Zoom, participants have access to four hours of instruction each day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. CDT.
Join trade professionals from across the country by saying yes to this training and registering NOW!
Learn more about Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) Training.
Connecting Exporters: 2026 Mid-America Trade Summit
Each fall, the International Trade Center, along with trade assistance partners from across the region, hosts the Mid-America Trade Summit. The summit provides a unique opportunity to bring together top exporters, global trade leaders, and trade assistance providers
Learn more about Mid-America Trade Summit.
Global Insights
Market Spotlight – United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the world’s most mature and accessible markets and a key U.S. trading partner, with total exports of more than USD 96.8 billion in 2025. With a GDP exceeding USD 3 trillion, the U.K. economy is driven by finance, technology, and advanced services. Its transparent legal system and business practices closely align with the U.S., making market entry relatively straightforward for American firms.
Opportunities are strong in high-growth, innovation-driven sectors, including AI, biotech, fin-tech, cybersecurity, energy, and aerospace. The U.K.’s services sector accounts for roughly 80% of GDP, and London remains a leading global financial hub. Continued U.S. - U.K. economic cooperation is expected to further expand market access, particularly in advanced industries.
Challenges include regulatory complexity, evolving post-Brexit frameworks, and strong competition in a sophisticated, saturated market. Companies must also navigate U.K.-specific standards, compliance requirements, and pricing pressures, especially in sectors with established domestic and European players.
Effective entry strategies focus on building local partnerships, aligning with U.K. regulatory expectations, and leveraging in-market networks for distribution and credibility. While business practices are similar to the U.S., success depends on adapting to local market dynamics.
Missouri’s ties to the U.K. continue to grow, supported by the recent launch of a direct flight from St. Louis to London, improving business connectivity. Additional visibility from events such as the U.K. national soccer team’s presence in Kansas City this summer during the 2026 FIFA World Cup further strengthens cultural and economic connections.
Learn more about the United Kingdom Trade.
Trade Resource Spotlight – UN Comtrade
UN Comtrade is the United Nations’ global trade database, providing detailed data on imports and exports by country, partner, and product. Covering more than 190 countries, it offers a comprehensive view of global trade flows and allows users to analyze markets using standardized commodity codes (HS codes).
For global market research, trade flow analysis through UN Comtrade helps identify export opportunities, assess market demand, and understand competitive dynamics. It enables businesses to evaluate where products are being imported, track growth trends, and pinpoint key trading partners, supporting more informed market selection and entry strategies.
To learn more and explore the data, access UN Comtrade website.
Trade Indicator Spotlight – Index of Economic Freedom
The Index of Economic Freedom, published by the Heritage Foundation, measures how effectively countries support open markets, rule of law, limited government, and regulatory efficiency. It evaluates 12 indicators such as property rights, tax burden, business freedom, and trade openness to produce an overall country score and ranking.
For export expansion, the Index provides a quick view of a market’s business climate, regulatory risk, and accessibility. Higher-scoring countries typically offer more transparent systems and fewer barriers, while lower scores may signal greater complexity. It is a useful tool for comparing markets, assessing risk, and prioritizing global opportunities.
Learn more about Index of Economic Freedom.